Fishing at Tarbert (East Pier), Loch Fyne
The East Pier at Tarbert is the easy option — mackerel in numbers through summer plus pollock and codling — with rockier marks south of the caravan park for wrasse, coalfish and the odd conger.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Strings of feathers cast and retrieved off the East Pier, best when shoals push into the loch. |
| Pollack (Pollock) | Apr–Nov | Lures or float-fished mackerel strip worked along the pier wall and the rock marks south of the caravan park. |
| Codling (Juvenile Cod) | Oct–Feb | Bottom-fished lugworm or mackerel strip off the pier on darkness. |
| Wrasse | May–Sep | Crab bait fished hard against the rock marks south of town. |
Tactics
Work the East Pier with feathers for mackerel on a rising tide — it's the most consistent producer in Tarbert. For variety, walk south past the caravan park to the rock marks for pollock, coalfish, wrasse and the occasional conger over mixed ground; a small parking area near the rocks along the road from the pier is worth a look for dogfish and thornback ray too.
Best tide: Rising tide · Best time: Summer evenings
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Harbour-side parking at Tarbert, short walk to the East Pier. Sat-nav: PA29 6TT.Get directions → Family rating: ★★★ — Judgement call — the East Pier is flat, easy walking and about as gentle an introduction to sea fishing as you'll find on this coast.
FAQs
Is Tarbert East Pier good for beginners?
Yes — flat, safe footing and reliable summer mackerel make it one of the easiest venues on Loch Fyne for a first trip.
What season are the mackerel at Tarbert?
Shoals typically push into the loch from June through September, peaking in high summer.
Are dogs allowed at Tarbert Harbour?
Yes, no confirmed seasonal ban — keep dogs under control as required by Scottish law.
Nearby marks
Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.